How Do You Spell ESOPHAGUS?

Pronunciation: [ɪsˈɒfəɡəs] (IPA)

The word "esophagus" is pronounced /ɪˈsɒfəɡəs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "e-" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable, "-soph" is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The final syllable, "-agus" is pronounced with a short "u" sound. The spelling of this word can be tricky because it contains the silent letter "h" after the "s," which is often misremembered or overlooked. However, mastering the correct spelling of this word is important for understanding anatomy and medical terminology.

ESOPHAGUS Meaning and Definition

1. The esophagus, also referred to as the gullet, is a muscular tube-like structure that serves as a vital part of the digestive system in both humans and animals. It is situated in the upper thoracic cavity, connecting the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. Approximately 25 centimeters in length, it runs posterior to the trachea and descends through the mediastinum, passing through the diaphragm before reaching the stomach.

   The primary function of the esophagus is to transport ingested food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach, facilitating the digestive process. Its inner lining is composed of specialized cells that secrete mucus to aid in lubrication, ensuring smooth passage of the food bolus. Due to its muscular nature, it uses rhythmic contractions, known as peristalsis, to facilitate the movement of the food through gravity.

   The esophagus is divided into three sections: the cervical esophagus, thoracic esophagus, and abdominal esophagus. The upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) control the entry and exit of substances into and out of the esophagus, respectively. These sphincters are responsible for preventing the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus and protecting it from acid reflux. If these sphincters fail to close properly, it can lead to conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn.

   In summary, the esophagus is an integral part of the digestive system, serving as a conduit for moving food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.

2. The canal through which food and drink pass to the stomach; the gullet.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for ESOPHAGUS *

• esophogus 22.6666666%
• espohagus 13.3333333%
• esophegus 6.6666666%
• esphogus 6.6666666%
• esophagas 6.6666666%
• esophogas 4%
• esophigus 4%
• esophugus 2.6666666%
• eshophagus 2.6666666%
• esophgus 2.6666666%
• asophogus 2.6666666%
• esphagus 2.6666666%
• esophagous 2.6666666%
• essophagas 2.6666666%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ESOPHAGUS

• asophagus
• esophageous
• esphoagus
• esopahgus
• esophagual
• espophagus
• esophogos
• esophasug
• esophagal
• zoophagus
• geophagus
• disophagus
• Epiphagus
• Esophigmus
• Epiletophimous
• Osophogus
• oesophogus
• osephagus
• esaphagus
• osohphagus

Etymology of ESOPHAGUS

The word "esophagus" is derived from the Greek word "oisophagos", which is a combination of "oisos", meaning "to carry" or "to bear", and "phagos", meaning "to eat" or "to swallow". Consequently, "esophagus" refers to the tube-like organ responsible for carrying swallowed food from the throat to the stomach.

Similar spelling words for ESOPHAGUS

• esophagitis,
• esophageal,
• espouse,
• espousal.